A Living Reminder Of  Why We Celebrate Christmas

By Shannon Hicks

Readings from the Gospel of Luke and Matthew, read by Gary Sippin, helped members of St Rose of Lima Church present their annual Living Nativity last weekend.

With fairly fresh snow on the ground and more than just a chill in the air, the setting was perfect for those who gathered following the church’s 5:30 Mass for the reenactment. Nearly 30 people took part in the presentation this year, which Father Bob Weiss called “the portrayal of why we celebrate Christmas.”

Mr Sippin was the narrator for the presentation, which had 27 additional members of the Newtown parish presenting the story of Mary and Joseph (portrayed by Kerri and Dom Cartelli) finding their way to the stable where the baby Jesus was born. The role of Jesus this year was done to perfection by newborn William Cartelli.

Jeff DiPinto portrayed the angel Gabrielle.

The presentation also showed the couple being greeted by shepherds, angels, and three kings.

Shepherds this year were portrayed by Domenick Cartelli, Jeffrey and Alan DiPinto, Robert Disbio, Michael Eisley, Brian Gallagher, Grace Griffen, and Bryce Benefit. The angels were Charlotte and Anna Cartelli, Caroline and Danielle DiPinto, Jessica Eisle, and Heather O’Leary; and the kings were Mike Hubbard, Matt Rahtelli, and Eric Sippin.

In addition to the church members participating, there were also a few animals who brought the evening to life. There was a cow, some sheep, a few ponies, and even a llama.

Between narratives and the readings, those who had gathered to watch the procession were encouraged to join a choir in singing carols appropriate to the evening.

“O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” “Away in A Manger,” “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” “Joy to The World,” “We Three Kings of Orient Are,” and “Silent Night” were sung by the crowd, led by a choir of Kylie Gallagher, Mary Kate Hubbard, Emily Sippin, and Lauren Sippin.

The coordinators of the Living Nativity were Rita Powers and Mary Beth Sippin.

After the reenactment, Father Bob invited everyone into the St Rose Parish Hall where hot chocolate and plenty of goodies were waiting to warm up the cold hands of those who had presented or watched the special reenactment that had unfolded outside.